Talented Canadians missed out on qualifying for Rio at the FIBA Americas but will have one final shot next summer.

Canada Basketball officials met Saturday here to “kick the tires” on making a bid for one of three six-team tournaments that will determine the final Olympic participants. They have until Sept. 28 to let FIBA know whether they are interested. Formal bids have to be submitted by Nov. 11 and FIBA will announce the three sites the final week of November.

It’s likely going to take an outlay of between $3 million and $5 million to host the event July 5-11, 2016, depending on the location officials decide on.

“I think just for the profile of the game in our country, to host an event like that, especially with all this young talent that we have, to have that sort of visibility and intimacy with the fans in our community is
a big step for us,” Steve Nash, the senior team’s general manager said.

SOURCE: Toronto Star